Robert Johnson (governor) facts for kids

Robert Johnson (1682 – 1735) was an important British colonial Governor of the Province of South Carolina. He served two terms: first from 1717 to 1719, and again from 1729 to 1735. During his time, Governor Johnson famously ordered Colonel William Rhett to fight the well-known pirate Stede Bonnet and his ships. This battle, called the Battle of Cape Fear River, happened in 1718.

Early Life and First Term as Governor

Robert Johnson was the son of Sir Nathaniel Johnson. His father was also a governor of the Province of South Carolina from 1702 to 1708. Robert inherited a large amount of land and wealth from his father.

On April 30, 1717, Robert Johnson was officially made governor of South Carolina. Like his father, he quickly earned the trust of the people living in the colony. However, this was a difficult time because the power of the colony's owners (called proprietors) was weakening.

Johnson tried his best to work with the colonists. But the proprietors' own desire for more wealth and their poor decisions made it hard for him. He tried to support their authority, but this made him lose some of his influence with the people.

Settling New Areas: The Township Scheme

As governor, Johnson introduced a clever new plan to settle the frontier areas of South Carolina. The goal was to create a protective zone between the Native American lands to the west and the main city of Charles Towne on the east coast.

This plan was called the "Township Scheme." It was a government-supported program to create new settlements. Each "township" was like a small colony, covering about 20,000 acres. New settlers would receive 50 acres of land. Once a township had 100 settlers, it would get two representatives in South Carolina's government assembly.

Many townships were created under this program, including Purrysburg, New Windsor, Fredericksburg, Queensborough, Kingston, Amelia, Williamsburg, Saxe Gotha, Welsh Tract, and Orangeburg.

Fighting Pirates

Governor Johnson also played a key role in stopping pirates who were attacking ships and trade in South Carolina and nearby colonies. He put together a special group of ships and personally led them into battle. They had a great victory against the pirates off the coast of Charleston.

Johnson continued this campaign until the pirates were defeated. Their famous leader, Stede Bonnet, was captured and executed. A short time later, Johnson is also credited with killing another pirate named Richard Worley.

Return as Royal Governor

In 1719, the government run by the proprietors was overthrown. A new group of leaders, led by Arthur Middleton, asked Johnson to stay on as governor. However, they wanted him to govern in the name of the king instead of the proprietors. Johnson refused, saying he was loyal to the proprietors. Because of this, James Moore II was chosen as the new governor, and Johnson stepped aside.

Even though he had been loyal to the proprietors, King George II appointed Robert Johnson as the first official royal governor of the colony on December 9, 1729. When he arrived in Charleston in early 1731, the people welcomed him with joy.

During his second term, Johnson passed several laws about giving land to new settlers. He also dealt with a long argument about the border between South Carolina and North Carolina. These two colonies became completely separate provinces for the first time.

Johnson also helped James Oglethorpe settle the colony of Georgia. He provided food and protection for Oglethorpe's colonists. Johnson was known for his good character, which earned him the nickname "the good governor." He remained in office until his death in Charleston on May 3, 1735. A monument was built in his memory at St. Philip's Church, but it was destroyed when the church burned down in 1835.

Legacy

Johnson Square in Savannah, Georgia, is named after Governor Robert Johnson.